Guterres: The spiral of death and destruction sweeping the Middle East and affecting poor people around the world must stop

Speaking to reporters in New York on Thursday, Guterres stressed that human suffering is constantly worsening as a result of the ongoing war, adding that “When the Strait of Hormuz is choked, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people can’t breathe.”

As the war enters its second month, the Secretary-General noted that – alongside increasing destruction and indiscriminate attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure – rising food prices and energy costs are affecting communities around the world.

He added: “Many aspects of this conflict may be fraught with uncertainty, but one thing is clear: if the drums of war continue to beat, escalation will only make this situation worse. This spiral of death and destruction must stop.”

He stressed the need to respect and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, and stressed the need to maintain freedom of navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

Guterres also stressed the need to make room for the diplomatic efforts currently underway in order to find a peaceful path forward, adding that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states of the United Nations must be respected.

While the Secretary-General indicated that he was in close contact with the parties concerned, he announced that he was sending his personal envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to support these efforts.

In this regard, he said: “My message is clear: to the United States and Israel: it is time to stop this war, which is inflicting enormous human suffering and is already causing devastating economic consequences. To Iran: stop attacking your neighbors.”

Guterres concluded his speech by stressing that conflicts do not end on their own; “It ends when leaders choose dialogue instead of destruction. This option is still available, and must be taken now.”